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Praying at Zojoji Temple, Tokyo, Japan, on New Year’s Eve – Photo: AFP
Japan
The timing of New Year’s Eve in Japan this year was incomplete due to bad weather and COVID-19. Many events here have been canceled and public services have been minimized.
The Imperial Japanese internal affairs agency canceled the New Year’s celebration on February 1 due to the epidemic. In this ceremony, Emperor Naruhito and members of the royal family will receive New Year’s wishes from the people.
People queue up to pray on New Years Eve at Sensoji Temple, Tokyo, Japan – Photo: AFP
Shrines in Japan also urge people not to come to pray on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
East Japan Railway Company and Tokyo Metro canceled additional tram services in Tokyo from the end of December 31 to January 1. Meanwhile, snow has covered many parts of Japan, causing about 140 flights to be canceled and traffic disrupted.
Australia
Australia this year will no longer see lively people watching the fireworks in the harbor area near the Sydney Opera House, Sydney.
Fireworks light up the sky over Sydney, Australia, on New Years Eve 2021 – Source: CNA
Due to the pandemic, the areas near the port were blocked, the famous parks were also closed. The local government only allows people to go to some strictly supervised areas.
Fireworks shows are also allowed, but are limited to 7 minutes.
Fireworks in the harbor area near the Sydney Opera House, Sydney – Photo: REUTERS
Australians can only welcome the New Year in a limited number of areas – Photo: REUTERS
New Zealand
New Zealand’s New Years Eve takes place at 6 p.m. on December 31 in Vietnam. Some places like Auckland City and Auckland City Tauranga have started their New Years fireworks display.
Sky Tower Laser Lighting Festival, Auckland City, New Zealand – Photo: NEW ZEALAND HERALD
The city of Auckland also hosts a laser light show at the iconic Sky Tower.
New Zealanders can still ring in the new year as usual as the country successfully brought the virus under control after 7 weeks of strict lockdown.
New Zealanders welcome New Years Eve at Sky Tower, Auckland City, New Zealand – Photo: NEW ZEALAND HERALD
New Zealanders watch fireworks in the city of Tauranga – Photo: NEW ZEALAND HERALD
New Zealanders prepare to welcome the New Year in Silo Park, Auckland – Photo: NEW ZEALAND HERALD
Easter Island (Kiritimati), Samoa and Tonga are the first places to welcome the year 2021. New Year’s Eve in these places is exactly at 17:00 on 12/31 Vietnam.
However, these places do not have special congratulatory activities. Instead, the world’s first New Year’s Eve event in 2021 will be the New Zealand celebrations.
* Youth Online continues to update
